Dhaka, Dec 10 (V7N)- The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court's verdict that declared "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan of Bangladesh. A bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed issued the stay order on Tuesday following a state petition.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to 2017 when Supreme Court lawyer Dr. Bashir Ahmed filed a writ petition seeking the declaration of "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan. On March 10, 2020, a High Court bench comprising Justices F.R.M. Nazmul Ahasan and K.M. Kamrul Quader ruled in favor of the petition, officially recognizing "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan.

The decision received further endorsement when Sheikh Hasina's cabinet approved the slogan's recognition on February 20, 2022.

The Appeal and Stay

On December 2, 2024, the state filed a petition seeking to stay the High Court’s earlier verdict. The state was represented by Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R. Haque during the hearing in the Appellate Division.

The Appellate Division's stay order effectively pauses the implementation of "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan until further notice.

Implications

The stay opens up renewed debate over the formal adoption of "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan, a phrase deeply intertwined with the country's liberation history. Further proceedings in the Appellate Division are expected to determine the future of the slogan's legal status.

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